Bag found in front of courthouse not dangerous

A backpack found in the bushes in front of the Yamhill County Courthouse around 11 a.m., first thought to be suspicious, was determined not to be dangerous, according to Capt. Dennis Marks of the McMinnville Police Department.

The Oregon State Police Explosives Unit arrived at the scene and sent a robot toward the bag around 12 p.m. The robot pulled the bag from behind the bushes and shot it with a water cannon. The robot removed the contents of the bag, which were a sleeping bag and clothing.

The streets in front of the courthouse were closed while the operation was underway, including the busstop in front of the courthouse. Staff from the front part of the courthouse was also evacuated while the bag was removed.